Although the art of ¨¦duoard Manet was often rooted in references to the history of art, his subjects¡ªparks, caf¨¦s, racetracks¡ªwere usually quite modern. ¡°Jesus Mocked by the Soldiers¡± represents a foray into religious imagery that was rare for Manet (and for his peers in the French avant-garde). Its theme, heroic scale, and dark colors related it to Old Master paintings. Its treatment, however, reflects Manet¡¯s usual daring and his flouting of convention. Here, the viewer is confronted with a very human, vulnerable Jesus whose fate is no longer his to determine. Manet depicted the moment when Jesus¡¯s captors have mocked the ¡°king of the Jews¡± by crowning him with thorns and covering him with a purple robe. Although this taunting is followed by beatings, according to Gospel narrative, Manet¡¯s three earthy and contemporary-looking soldiers appear ambivalent as they surround the pale, stark figure of Jesus. One gazes at him, one kneels in apparent homage, and one holds the purple cloak in such a way as to suggest that he wishes to cover Christ¡¯s nakedness rather than strip him. Manet¡¯s use of stark contrasts, flat forms, and a dark palette of thickly applied pigment enhances this raw and powerful impression.? Title Jesus Mocked by the Soldiers Creator ¨¦douard Manet (French, 1832¨C1883) Creator Lifespan 1832 - 1883 Creator Nationality French Creator Gender male Creator Death Place Paris Creator Birth Place Paris Date Created 1865 Physical Dimensions 74 7/8 ¡Á 58 3/8 in. (190.8 ¡Á 148.3 cm) Type Painting Media Oil on canvas Credit Line The Art Institute of Chicago, gift of James Deering, 1925.703 Artist ¨¦douard Manet (French, 1832¨C1883)
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